We all know it exists and whenever a shuttle goes up there, i kinda have it on when i'm behind my computer. The problem is, why on earth is 90% of the things they show, the control room, and just a handfull of seconds/minutes of the actual spacewalk or inside of the station.

They use the TDRS satellite network developed for the Shuttle. But this network doesn't cover every part of the orbits. Actually NASA had long time problems building this network with the Shuttle introduction in 1981.

I think the first satellite they put into orbit went dead quite fast, the second one stranded due to a malfunctioning IUS Shuttle upper stage and the third I think had to replace the first one.

Then they had the Challenger desaster which further shred their plans. I would have to check dates but I think it was only in the 1990s that their TDRS network was complete.

_________________"The hardest hurdle to space isn't the technicalities and money. But rather, the courage and the will to do it." - Burt Rutan.